łGradation of sideropneumoconiosis.

Pathological-anatomical analyses of biopsy and autopsy samples of 43 men with anamnestically established occupational exposure to welding fumes showed in 38 specimens (88%) characteristic alterations of varying degrees of sidero pneumokonioses. Based on recurrent histological findings of increase and activation of iron storing macrophages (siderophages) and varying degrees of fibrosis, sidero pneumokonioses are classified into three grades. Intraindividually and also toporegionally different degrees may well be present. Based on morphological criteria of the three grades, seven samples were classified as grade I, 21 specimens as grade II, and 10 samples as grade III. The results show that exposure to welding fumes may well cause pulmonary alterations reaching an impairment level, depending on length, extent and special circumstances of the respective exposure. In cases of so-called welders lungs, an obliging statement in an expert's opinion on the degree of functional impairment, however, can only be given when histological findings, detailed information on the occupational history and clinical functional parameters are combined.